Meet the Board

Ali Ouska

President

Hi, I’m Ali Ouska! My husband Jimmy and I have twins, Jude and Palmer, who are in second grade. I’m originally from Kansas City, and we welcomed our twins while living in Northern California before making our way back to Chicagoland area in 2020. Our dachshund Sunny, dachshund mix Leo, and cat Tofu round out our little animal house! Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I worked as a Project Manager at a marketing agency. I’m also an artist who enjoys working in a variety of mediums, especially graphic design, hand lettering, and home watercolor portraits.

I love finding creative ways to bring people together and help make our school community a place where every family feels welcome and connected. I’m excited for a year of fun and making sure every Mustang has a herd!

Jessica Pernikoff

Secretary

Hi! My name is Jessica Pernikoff, and I’ve been a Romona mom for 8 years. My husband, Daniel, and I are the proud parents of two wonderful kids—Lucas, who is in eighth grade at Wilmette Junior High, and Luna, who is in fourth grade at Romona Elementary.

I’m originally from Colombia and moved to New York in 2006, where I met Daniel. We moved to Chicago in 2012 and then to Wilmette in 2018. We truly love calling Wilmette home, and some of our closest friendships have grown through the wonderful people we’ve met in the Romona community.

Professionally, I’m a photographer with a degree in Communications, and I currently work as an Administrative Assistant for the Center for the Arts at the Wilmette Park District. I’ve always loved photography, creativity, and finding ways to bring people together.

What I love most about Romona is the incredible sense of community. It has given our family so much over the years, and I love having the opportunity to give some of that back. I’m especially passionate about creating opportunities for families to connect, build friendships, and feel like they truly belong. I’m so happy to be part of the PTA and to contribute to a community that means so much to our family.

Summer Kays

Treasurer

Bio coming soon.

regina wan

Assistant Treasurer

Bio coming soon.

Janice Temenak

VP1, Legislation & Communication

Hi, I’m Janice Temenak, and I’m excited to serve as your PTA VP1 this year (as well as sitting on the Multicultural and Yearbook Committees)! I moved to Wilmette back in 5th grade, meaning I just missed out on attending Romona myself. After surviving undergrad and law school, I came home to roost and got lucky enough to land a few doors down from my parents. I have a 2nd grader and a Pre-K’er (LEEP) right here at Romona.

When I’m not working as in-house counsel for a software company, you can usually find me binge repeat watching shows, planning high-energy karaoke nights, hanging with family and friends, or diving into a new crafty hyperfixation. Currently, I’m making 90s-style friendship bracelets. I joined the PTA because I love the tight-knit community it builds, and I stepped into this role to help ensure my kids, and yours, experience a school that is vibrant, fun, inclusive, and supportive.

Amanda Bacon

VP1 Assistant, Legislation & Communication

Hi! My name is Amanda Bacon. This is our second year in the Mustang herd and we couldn’t be happier to be part of this community. I have two littles: Aveline is in 2nd grade and Adler is in kindergarten. Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom, I worked in education.

I enjoy reading, baking, gardening, and doing puzzles. As a family, we enjoy bike riding, skiing, and collecting seashells. Looking forward to this wonderful year!

Giselle Cotait

VP2, Volunteers

Hi there! I’m Giselle Cotait, mother of 4, originally from Brazil, and part of the Romona community for the past 7 years. Our family lived in Singapore for 10 years, where our first 3 kids were born, before moving to the Wilmette/Glenview area.

This is my second year as the VP of Volunteers with the PTA and, as a huge fan of the Romona community, I can’t wait to see what this year brings. Please keep volunteering and know that I’m always available for a chat, preferably with a cup of coffee. 🙂 LET’S GO!

Kathleen Holden

VP2 Assistant

Hi, I’m Kathleen Holden and this is my 8th year at Romona. I have 3 girls: Abigail in 7th grade, Charlotte in 6th grade, and Maddie in 3rd grade. I’m a physical therapist, puzzle enthusiast, and tennis junkie. I’m excited for another fun year of school!

Sarah Blank

VP3, Enrichment

Hi! Sarah Blank here, this year’s VP for Enrichment at Romona. I’m excited to tackle this new role and plan wonderful in-school and out-of-school opportunities for our students. I am a mom to four kids. My husband Alan and I have been part of the Romona community for quite some time, as my oldest started in the LEEP program here.

Sadly, I do not have all four at Romona this year. My oldest, Sophie, just started at Highcrest. Levi is in 3rd grade, Asher in 2nd grade, and Mila is in kindergarten. Rounding out my household, we have a 130 lb. dog, Frankie, our puppy Ozzy, and new fish Harry.

I work part time as a pediatrician in our community, which is where I’ll be when not volunteering around Romona. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my busy family, playing the piano, reading, traveling, skiing, and snuggling my dogs.

Angela Litwin

VP3 Assistant

Angela has been a proud Romona Elementary School mom since 2024 and loves being involved in the school community. She is passionate about bringing families together, supporting teachers and students, and helping create fun and meaningful experiences for the Romona community.

Outside of PTA, Angela is a real estate broker with @properties, serving families throughout Wilmette and the North Shore. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, Parker and Emilia, traveling, crafting, and finding ways to give back to her community.

Jenny Toledo

VP4, Fundraising

This is the Toledo family’s fourth year at the school, and Jenny’s second year on the board. She decided to hit the pause button on her career after eighteen years in the classroom to focus on her three kiddos (Brad, 4th; Joey, 1st; and Emma, Pre-K) and making sure they get to and from all of their (too) many activities!

While her main passions are her family and education, Jenny also enjoys traveling (with her children!), reading, organizing, and working with a few charities that are near and dear to her heart.

Her favorite things at Romona (aside from the excellent staff!) include volunteering in the Learning Commons and Rockin’ Romona.

Jill anderko

VP4 Assistant, Fundraising

Bio coming soon.